Limitless

Welcome to another episode Lights....Camera....Popcorn!

Today's review is Limitless. Directed by Neil Burger. Written by Leslie Dixon. Based on the novel "The Dark Fields." Written by Alan Glynn.

Review #109

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic material involving a drug, violence including disturbing images, sexuality and language.
Runtime: 105 min

Cast

Bradley Cooper - Eddie Mora

Robert De Niro - Carl Van Loon

Abbie Cornish - Libby

Andrew Howard - Gennady

Anna Friel - Melissa

Johnny Whitworth - Vernon

Thomas Arana - Man in Tan Coat


Money....Status....Sex....POWER! These are all things that at some point in our lives have desired, acquired or both at the same time. These things are also very difficult to achieve. But what if there was a way to get all of these things and so much more in the time it takes to snap your fingers.

What would you do? How far would you go?

Eddie is a broken down writer with a severe case of loser syndrome. He's lost his girl and suffers from writer's block. His book is past due and barely makes ends meet. Until a chance or not so chance encounter with his brother in law and a mysterious pill changes all of that.

Right out of the gate, the premise of Limitless is very intriguing and aptly named. The execution of this premise is what troubled me. The film shines most of the time and the stylish presentation of the drug's affect on the user was very cool. Then the film takes it's necessary dark turn. This of course is status quo when it comes to a drug based movie. The user gets the high and lives life to the fullest. Then the drug crashes the user and said user falls into a sea of trouble and issues.

It's here where the movie stalls.

The problems that ensue for Eddie are mysteriously both formulaic and exciting. The problem here is that you are told how each problem is solved via Eddie's VO. The film is narrated mostly by him which makes this more an account of his experiences on the drug as opposed to his grind in the here and now. You are not given a chance as the audience to decipher how Eddie gets himself out of the trouble he "might" be in. This was a FATAL flaw for Limitless. In a film that gives you the opportunity to be intelligent, the powers that be chose "idiot" proof lingo and exposition. The other issue I had was an absolutely ridiculous scene that takes place in the third act. I dare not reveal what happens. I found it to be so far over the top and ludicrous that I was ready to bag this flick and put it on the Worst Films of 2011 list.

What gave Limitless a stay of execution was the dynamic between Cooper and the legend himself. De Niro's portrayal of the uber business man who has "fudged" a law or twelve is just legit and shady enough to make you question whether or not you should consider him friend or foe. He balances this quite well considering his screen time is close to 10 minutes or so. Give or take a minute or two. The back and forth between him and Cooper is pretty good. Cooper is fastly becoming more of a legit leading man candidate.

Then again should you expect anything less from one our time's absolute GREATEST.

The final aspect that made this movie good enough to avoid the cellar was the ending. It was very satisfying and believable. Unfortunately the over top aspect of certain scenes coupled with the unnecessary over use of exposition drops this one down a couple of pegs.

On the 5 star scale. Limitless gets 2.5 stars with a "Go See It." Recommendation.

That's a wrap for today. Up next is the Lincoln Lawyer to be followed by Paul and Sucker Punch.

March has been cranking out some pretty good flicks. Let's hope the momentum can stick around until the blockbusters come and take our $$$.

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"